Battletech An SI in the Concordat - GhostRider's Revenants (Battletech CYOA)Rev.2

Tryglaw

Well-known member
That turns the story in a different direction - one that is not much used (that I know) to be fair. I need to think about that.

And this, in turn, is where you put "creative" in "creative writing". There is no shortage of stories / SIs / crossovers where author adds this or that person / faction / plot twist, only to continue with overall plot progression being more or less the same as per OTL, sometimes with some "fixes" here or there (looking at you, fix-it-fics...).
Even if doing so makes no sense, in-story or otherwise, given different character motivations / interactions / capabilities of either people or factions (esp. in case of crossovers, particularly bad case was the ST/B5 x/o TaskForce 43 with the Eye of the Republic plot line, where Lord Kiro was abducted as per OTL, same method, from a StarFleet StarBase. Because: 1. plot demanded that transporters and tractor beams don't work as they always do, and 2. author could not be bothered to come up with a creative solution for the problem. That killed my suspension of disbelief there and then.)

Yet a far more interesting type of fan fiction, even if one vastly harder to write (in terms of plot development and progression rather then writing skills) are stories that take the butterflies created by timeline changes / inserted people or factions into full account, and toss the OTL plot development entirely over board. Now, quite obviously the butterflies from changes your SI introduced won't really change, say, the Kuritan-Lyrian relations, nor will have any sort of impact on the weather on Strana Mechty, but within the scope of TC and wherever your SI is involved? Dude, go for it!
:D
 

paulobrito

Well-known member
I see a few small problems for that - nothing serious, but I need to write /discover ways to deal with then
First Kamea needs to think/understand/be convinced that it is the best option for her nation - that to be fair is in a shitty place right now.
Second Jean-Luc is very comfortable in New Vandenberg - is hole operation is there.
Third is necessary the tactical support from the Calderon's. And I bet some opposition from the Centrella's is very probable.
I think I go that way - is going to be fun /challenging at a minimum - but need to do some preparation/research / ground work before start that arc.
 

Golum936

Member
Very interesting fic so far.

I do hope the SI gets hitched with Kamea, would make for very interesting twist in the story. As for making Kamea think that it is what is best for her nation, there are several options. For one, Kamea is the only surviving member of her family, she needs heirs fast or she risks the stability of the whole Auriga Coaliation. The SI could always start a small campaign to win hearts and minds of the people by investing some of his fortune into humanitarian efforts, which would in turn make him look good in front of Kamea and people of Coalition. Maybe start expanding his holdings into Auriga in return for some concessions from the government, like tax breaks.

I'm sure there are many other thinga that could be done to make SI a viable consort for Kamea.
 

Amir-015

Member
Since the Black Widow, her company and the Wolf Dragoons are too busy this time of the year....well the SI would have better odds fighting against the Bounty Hunter.

But if he does get that Clan Wolverine transport...what then?
 

paulobrito

Well-known member
Since the Black Widow, her company and the Wolf Dragoons are too busy this time of the year....well the SI would have better odds fighting against the Bounty Hunter.

But if he does get that Clan Wolverine transport...what then?
Take good care of the shinnies for starters, LOL. And about the place it comes from, that depends a lot of so many variables...
 

paulobrito

Well-known member
For now, nobody talked about the wolverines - just some strange royal tech / royal tech+ hardware.
My idea is that after the first strike - see next chapters - Baumann goes underground and only resurfaces after 4SW, conveniently given time for the WD to be free to intervene.
 
Chapter 31

paulobrito

Well-known member
Returning victorious to Coromodir in January 3028, I had a 'mixed' reception. On the one hand, Kamea was pleased that a danger (pirates and ex-Directorate forces) to her weakened nation was eliminated and pleased with the addition to her forces (9 ’Mechs in total (2 Shadow Hawk, 2 Griffin, 2 Wasp, 2 Locust and 1 Panther) plus a varied group of vehicles) but on the other hand, the fact that the JumpShips and DropShips so needed by her nation were only for me, did obviously not please her.



Vasseur had also done a good work, eliminating all the encountered threats (more than I did) without losing any ‘Mechs, (even if the “destroyed” Toro was salvageable since VMI produced enough spare parts to supply me with a new head) something I had expected as his unit was packing 75% of our Royal ‘Mechs and had better ‘MechWarriors (and he was better trained in warfare than I was). Apart from 18 ‘Mechs and several tanks and support units, he had also captured 1 Tramp, 1 Invader, 1 Union, 1 Mule and 2 Leopards.

Thanks to everything we got our hands on, the Revenants would be able (after the much needed repairs for the captured hardware) to field a third combined-arms battalion and after the payment in Griffins, perhaps a fourth one.



The problem at this stage for me was going to be hiring enough ’MechWarriors. Despite our good relations with the TDF and the Taurian militias, a large part of the Taurians who wanted to become mercenaries would still prefer to go to the Inner Sphere, reducing the number of Taurians available. Similarly, even some of the Dispossessed in Galatea and other recruiting places twisted their noses at the idea of working for a force that only operated in Periphery. And most of those that accepted, didn't pass the scrutiny of my security forces. I needed to talk with Kamea about the possibility of hiring people from her realm.



After 'tough' negotiations with Kamea (who would have thought that she was a fan of 'pillow negotiations'? I thought the Canopians were the masters of that technique), we came to an agreement: I would create a transport company that would operate in Aurigan Restoration space with 2 JumpShips and 2 DropShips and I would also lend one of the Leopards to the Royal Guard. In return, I would receive significant tax advantages and exemptions, including for companies I owned or was a shareholder in and a noble title. Given Thomas' instructions to increase Concordat's influence in the region and my personal interest in Kamea, I thought it was a good deal.

Meanwhile and much to Kamea’s delight, the arrival of two repaired Griffins companies meant her ‘Mech forces were given a major boost. That was the good ones, the bad one was that these were the easiest to repair, meaning the other four companies would take substantially longer to deliver.




Among the messages I received while in Coromodir were several interesting ones. The first Snowden L (lite) had just been built and started activity in one of New Vandenberg asteroid belts in the middle of January. The first major orbital station had also been completed thanks to the good services of the Star-Lifters. It was partly a base for ASFs, partly a training center for space operators but also and in the greatest secrecy I could; the first Endo Steel factory built in Concordat since… . Even using the simplest model to produce from the New Dallas database, about half the components for the production units were custom-built. But the final results was that it would be able to produce small amounts of Endo Steel for the Royal ‘Mechs used by the Taurian Guards and the Revenants and also if enough were in stocks, it would allow me to produce new ‘Mechs Since business was going well and looking at the sheet of available funds, I gave the order to begin the construction of the SB-27 Sabre ASF line.

The news that caused me the most shock was linked to an old flag I had put on the MRB news. The Gray Death Legion having accepted a contract with the FWL, had just captured Sirius V.
Damn, my time was running out if I wanted to do something about Helm and THAT data-core.

With a quick farewell to Kamea, I hadn’t given her too many explanations, something she clearly did not like, I set off with my forces for Helm on the fastest possible route.

Before leaving, I called Pascal Allais, the leader of my intelligence team and sent him and his forces on the hunt for Notker Baumann. Their mission was to get as much information as possible about advanced hardware and to confiscate as much as he could. Vasseur and the first battalion were to be available to help him should he need some back-up.
 

paulobrito

Well-known member
Equipment obtained by the Revenants in these operations (both battalions) not counting the hardware delivered to Kamea
3 Jumpships - 1 Invader, 1 Tramp, 1 Merchant
6 dropships - 2 Union, 2 Leopard, 1 Jumbo, 1 Mule
17 mechs - 4 Wasp, 2 Phoenix Hawk, 1 Cicada, 1 Withworth, 1 Thunderbolt, 2 Panther, 2 Shadow Hawk, 3 Locust and 1 Stinger
Various vehicles - J-27, 135-K, APC's, trucks, etc.


All that hardware in need of repair or at least extensive maintenance.


While this appears to be too much hardware, the reason is that it is obtained in a series of small operations and every time the Revenants have superior numbers.

The structure of the Revenants is different from the one normally used by other forces in the Battletech universe.
Each battalion is organized around a company of mechs with support of mechanized forces (tanks, LRM carriers, artillery), infantry (mechanized and jump) and when possible ASFs.
 

Golum936

Member
Another great chapter, though a bit on the thin side.

Guessing the SI will have a big damn heroes moments when he comes for Gray Death Legion and the data core.

Also, oof. Being royalty, I don't think Kamea is used to people running out on her without explanation. But it could be used to progress the relationship more later on using that as a focal point.
 
Chapter 32

paulobrito

Well-known member
Even before the first jump, the cruel reality of numbers hit me like a sledgehammer: considering what I knew of the Gray Death Legion story, I would never make it to Helm in time before they left for Galatea. The only chance to get a copy of the database was to intercept them in Galatea and convince Carlyle to give or sell me a copy of the data core. As for the hardware, it was better to forget about it, that ship was already gone and out of reach.





May 20th, 3028
Galatea VI, Galatea City




One of the advantages of having to wait for GDL to arrive in Galatea was that I finally had time to take care of business.
Several companies from all States had shown interest in obtaining production licenses for the Leclerc line. They clearly had a good idea of the value of a line of Omni combat vehicles as the proposals were all (or almost all) interesting.
Due to the current political situation, it was impossible to negotiate with anyone from the Federated Suns or after the 'warships incident' with anyone from the Capelan Confederation as for the Calderons House Liao was behind said incident.
The Earthwerks Incorporated representative of the FWL was the first to make a proposal with several production license agreements rang in from full Mechs to components and/or a considerable amount of money. We agreed on a mix of both and although no specific design was selected (they didn’t interest me at all), the license to produce several components and a considerable amount of money sealed the deal.
On behalf of Draconis Combine, Luthien Armor Works representative, an old negotiator, sealed an agreement in exchange for the production license for the Jenner BattleMech and for the excellent Lord’s Light PPC.
The first offer from the Lyran Commonwealth came from Defiance Industries new representative, obviously a problematic but influential young man who had been dispatched to Galatea not to cause problems elsewhere. God, rarely had I met someone so arrogant and ill-prepared. Only rigid self-control prevented me from sending him out, but clearly we didn't do business, nor did I intend to even though we left with 'after I study your proposal, I'll get in touch'.
Strangely enough, a few hours later, the representative of Coventry Metal Works presented herself to negotiate the same subject. Although CMW did not have a line of vehicles, they seemed interested in entering this area of business and found nothing better than my Leclerc Omnis. Unfortunately they produced nothing of particular interest to me, so we came to an agreement in which I gave them the rights in exchange for a massive amount of kroners.
I was not expecting anything from a common proposal from Aldis Aerospace and Krupp Armament Works. If at first I had no interest in selling Omnis to ComStar, a second thought told me that sooner or later they would get all the necessary information and that it would be better to get something from them.
From this unexpected deal, I obtained the production rights for the Kamov VTOL and Schrek PPC, various types of weapons and equipment as well as some money.


Two other companies contacted me to acquire the rights for the Leclerc: MMM of Canopus and Blackwell Heavy Industries of New Valencia. MMM had nothing that interested me nor did they have the money to buy the licenses, so initially their offer was very weak. Until I proposed that if the Magestracy wanted my licenses so badly, it could pay in Arano Restoration bonds, to the great perplexity of the MMM representative. After exchanging messages with Canopus, my proposal was accepted and I received a private message from Anne-Marie 'Well played, Jean-Luc, well played. And congratulations on your relationship, she's well worth it.’

BHI was a different case - although technically located in Federated Suns territory and as such covered by the sales ban, their exclusivity with the Wolf’s Dragoons made them legitimate for the Concordat.
My initial proposal was an exchange of Leclerc licenses for Badger or Bandit, but this was not accepted. In their counter offer, they gave me the Marauder II (3012 model). Even though I did not have access to Omni tech based on ideas by technicians from the Clans, which was my real goal, I decided to accept the proposal.


Having finished the series of negotiations (and quite pleased with the results), I noticed that a young woman in a spent uniform of Chu-i had just left the Toro-2C simulator (the Panther-like model). With a certain curiosity, I asked the person in charge of the simulators who she was and what her results and impressions were.
Apparently ex-Chu-i Kaneda Arisa came every day to use this simulator, taking advantage of being one of the very few with free access in Galatea, a practice of the manufacturers when they were eager to promote a new model, like VMI Toro-2C. As for her impressions and results, she considered Panther slightly superior (not surprisingly) and had by a comfortable margin, the best results in the simulator. Asking more about her, I found out that she was the last survivor of a force that had attacked a Steiner world during one of the various 3rd SW raids and that she had been reported dead. After being released by the LCAF, she had come to Galatea in search of a contract. But without a ’Mech, she hadn't succeeded until now.
Considering her grades in the simulator, it was not difficult to make her an offer the next day when she showed up for another session, offer that she accepted after asking for a few clarifications.



June 4th, 3028

After several days of waiting, the Gray Death Legion finally arrived. So far so good I thought, at least I was going to be able to talk to them and hopefully, as in the original story, they had copied the data core or it would have been a long and expensive trip for nothing.

And suddenly, there he was, tall, thin and blond, well muscled, the perfect image of a 'MechWarrior, the legend himself, Grayson Carlyle. Accompanied by a tall beauty with long blond hair - Lori Kalmar

'Colonel Carlyle? Lieutenant Kalmar ? My name is Jean-Luc Bassot, I'm from the Taurian Concordat. May we speak in private?' I said, directing them to a luxury limousine. ‘I believe I have a proposal that might be of interest to you.’
‘For sure, Mister Bassot, do you have somewhere in mind?’
‘Yes, you see I have access to the installations of VMI in this city, one of the biggest military manufacturers in the Concordat. I believe we can talk calmly there. I promise you, I am not going to waster your time’.



Some time later in a comfortable room at the VMI facility in the city.

While at first I didn’t tell them about my position, the people at the reception desk at VMI had addressed me by my title, meaning they both knew I was one of VMI bosses.



'Colonel, Lieutenant, I'll get straight to the point. I know about the data core you got in Helm and I have a reasonable idea of its contents. I also know that Duke Ricol of the Draconis Combine has a copy and that you have been distributing it through the Inner Sphere, not trusting ComStar for obvious reasons. My goal is to get a copy to take to the Concordat. We need the data inside, that kind of information is vital to revitalize our nation. So, name your price and I'll do my best to satisfy it.’
'For someone from the Periphery, who has never met us, you are very well informed, Mister Bassot.' was Carlyle's response after a short pause and an exchange of glances between the two of them. 'We've just come from Helm, and you are already here, coming from much further away, and knowing everything?’
‘Well, to be precise, I arrived here two weeks ago on a routine visit when I was informed about the Helm Crisis. As you might have guessed, someone in my position has access to above average means of information for a price. Knowing that you were coming here, I delayed my departure, so I could receive you and make you an offer on behalf of the Concordat. Nothing extraordinary on my part, unlike your adventure.' I said with my best innocent face.
Apparently they accepted my explanation.
Carlyle was going to start talking but Lori put her hand on his arm, and he let her talk. 'This information doesn't come cheap, Baron. After all, it cost us many lives to get it. How much is the Concordat willing to pay?’ she asked with a calculating look on her beautiful face.
Oh, man, and I was expecting to play on Grayson's idealism, but I had no luck. Well, since I couldn't go back now and really wanted the data core,while being pretty sure I could pass the bill on to Thomas, I decided to play the game 'ten million in C-Bills or the 'Mechs that are available at this facility for sale, 2 Talos one 2B and one 2C (the standard model but upgraded to current tech and the modified version) and 2 Toros one B-2 and one C-2 (again the standard model but upgraded to current tech and the modified version), all factory new.
LOL, it was nice to see the two of them shaking, looking at each other and smiling. This time; it was Grayson who answered. 'On behalf of the Gray Death Legion, I accept your proposal, Baron. Ah, we will go for the 'Mechs.'
‘It was a pleasure doing business with you, Colonel, Lieutenant.’ with that part done, now came the second one ‘Tell me, would you be interested in a contract in the Concordat? It would be mostly a guarding and training one, with options for some anti-piracy missions. You would benefit from the support of VMI and V4RU, for new ‘Mechs and repair/refit operations. I think you would greatly appreciate the level of support they can provide to your forces.’

Carlyle and Kalmar again looked at each other but this time it was Carlyle that took the initiative. ‘To be frank, we need time to rest and refit before taking any contract, Baron. And I’m a bit more inclined for a contract with one of the big Houses of the Inner Sphere. I have nothing against the Concordat, mind you but it is a bit far away. But, for the sake of argument, what kind of payment and contract are we talking about?’

Ok, let’s talk about numbers, I really want these guys on my side. ‘The contract would be for one year, starting as soon as you arrive, with options for renewal. The transport costs would be included, your DropShips can take a ride on my JumpShips and I’m scheduled to depart next week, as well as the services of V4RU and with the possibility to buy from VMI at preferred client prices, that’s about 20% discount. All that with a line of credit and any activity not included in the guard and training contract, like raids against pirates would be negotiated as a secondary contract. For the rest, I would offer standard options.’

After a few moments, Carlyle look me in the eyes and asked a question ‘Why us, Baron? You already have your military unit and there’s no lack of other units here, many with good reputation. I can understand the data core business, but why this contract?’

‘For starters, you are one of the few units specialized in combined-arms operations, with an well deserved reputation in that area. My unit is also one of that kind, so you have the experience to train it. I’m prepared to pay you a bit above standard fares (well, in truth, more than a bit) because I understand few units want to go to the Periphery or to pass so much time in transit. I think my conditions are good enough? At the end of said contract, your unit would be fully refitted, that must count for something, Colonel.’

‘Oh, the conditions are good, no doubt. But before I accept, I need to talk to my people, if you don’t mind Baron.’

‘No problem at all, Colonel, lieutenant. When you achieve a decision, be it in my favor or not, please call me back. You know where you can find me, after all.’

With that they both departed.
 

Tryglaw

Well-known member
Quite nice, but I really doubt just 4 mechs even begin to cover the value of the Helm Data Core... "Priceless" would be closer to it, had they made an exclusive offer to any of the Great Houses a planetary fief wouldn't be too much...
 

paulobrito

Well-known member
Quite nice, but I really doubt just 4 mechs even begin to cover the value of the Helm Data Core... "Priceless" would be closer to it, had they made an exclusive offer to any of the Great Houses a planetary fief wouldn't be too much...
At this time, Ricol already has is copy and the jumpship captains friends of the dropship captains that operate the ones of the Gray Death are already in the process of delivering then for free. Jean-Luc is probably the only one that has to pay for it.
 

Tryglaw

Well-known member
At this time, Ricol already has is copy and the jumpship captains friends of the dropship captains that operate the ones of the Gray Death are already in the process of delivering then for free. Jean-Luc is probably the only one that has to pay for it.

As mercenaries, the GDL could have sold copies to every major player (maybe sans ComStar), simply because none of them could afford to be the only ones without.
;)
 
Chapter 33

paulobrito

Well-known member
The next day while I was studying what I should produce from the obtained licenses as I didn't have the money for everything, they announced the arrival of Grayson, Lori together with a small train of vehicles.
I gave the order to bring them to my office while I closed for now the spreadsheets with the unsolved production problems.
From the looks of whoever came in besides Grayson and Lori, (if I was right, Davis McCall and Hassan Ali Khaled), the meeting would go well or they were all excellent actors.
My doubts were quickly set aside as the GDL was interested in the contract I had proposed them and after we cleared up some doubts and details on both sides, the contract to guard VMI and V4RU and train the Revenants was signed. The reason the four came was quite simple, it took four ’MechWarriors to take the 'Mechs that were the payment for the delivery of Helm datacore, which they brought with them on a truck. The only extra point they requested was to leave only a week later, in order to give Grayson and his troops some time to rest and the opportunity to do some recruitment. From what I heard and knew, Grayson was much better at recruiting new staff than I was, which was not a real surprise, lol. The other option was that he was less concerned with security measures than I was. Personally, I think his charisma and growing reputation were far superior to my money, but I'd better not worry too much about that.


The first time I connected to my copy of Helm datacore was a shock as even though it included about 250 exabytes of data, the information was all mixed up with no file list or index, a maze of the worst kind. WTF? was my first reaction. Then I remembered the theory proposed by Chris O'Farrell in my universe and supported by many BT fanatics that the problem was due to the fact that the system used an unknown file structure in these times.
Thanks to the fact that I was a computer technician in my previous life, not to say a 'geek', I took my notebook, on which I had downloaded all the file structures / databases formats that existed in the New Dallas datacore and praying quietly, I connected it to the Helm datacore. After a “long” waiting time– during which the phrase 'analyzing structure 'please wait' passed in small letters at the top of the notebook, suddenly everything changed to ‘loading SLDF-EC 2740.R3C format’ and access was finally obtained… in all its glory, in an easily accessible format, with a huge list of themes, with all the data well organized and structured. I couldn't contain myself, and in the silence of my office, at the top of VMI facilities in Galatea, I laughed profusely.

The day before we returned to the Concordat I saw on the news that Edward was going to be at the wedding of Hanse and Melissa, representing his father (and the Concordat). Apparently, the relations of the Concordat with the Federated Suns were improving.
Before embarking on the long journey back - about 5 months, brrr, I sent my instructions regarding what it was to produce.
Karnov VTOL, Lords Light PPC, Vlar 300 fusion engine and Vulcan heavy ASF, obviously modified to use equipment produced by VMI / Concordat.
There was no way to build a production line for the Marauder II, they were too expensive and the production numbers would be too low when compared to the rest of the hardware that was going to be put into service, even though the 'fame' of producing the first Assault 'Mech on the periphery was an idea I toyed with for a time.
Considering what I knew, I planned our route to avoid the conflict zones as much as possible, conflict that would escalate in the 4th Succession War in no time. Due to having planned the route correctly, even if it meant being underway for a little longer, we avoided being caught in the first waves of the invasion of the Capellan Confederation by the Suns in August, arriving in early November to New Vandenberg.


The report by Vasseur and Allais was interesting but in the bad sense of the word.

Allais’ group had found one of Baumann's bases but before they intervened, a force of 'Mechs belonging to the notorious Bounty Hunter had appeared. Fortunately Vasseur who was waiting for the call had a superior force and managed to defeat the group of mercenaries and to take control of the base. The hardware they found in it was intriguing to say the least, several weapons as advanced or more than the most modern of the Royal regiments, which included several ER Medium Lasers, weapons I knew never existed at that time and an unknown model of Assault 'Mech with a symbol that caused me shivers, a wolverine head with claw marks making a cross… The mark of the Wolverine Clan, the famous No-Named Clan. Oh, shit.

Having taken over Baumann's base and with him having ran away and taken a very low profile and with the Bounty Hunter gone to other areas, I was left with the hardware in my hands and a lot of unresolved issues…

Having taken advantage of the trip back to study a lot of information that was in the data core obtained by the GDL in Helm, I left some instructions in New Vandenberg, before going to meet with the Calderon family. Among the information I left were detailed instructions on how to build with absolute priority a production line for DHS, which included the information for the so far elusive crystalline matrix with the absolute maximum of confidentiality and security and fuck the price, I was sure that I would negotiate this with the Calderon before I got back. Having the control over most of the auctions had some advantages, mainly that it would be some time before the opposition took action and if I could get the Calderon to go along with me, I could say bye bye opposition and hello extra funds.
 
Chapter 34

paulobrito

Well-known member
A few days later, in the Calderon’s palace.


'So unless you have access to the file structure I found in New Dallas data core, it will take years to extract the information in a usable way, while we have it fully available and perfectly organized.' My report on Helm datacore concluded this way, before the incredulous eyes of Edward and Thomas Calderon.

'I still can't believe the amount of information this finding has...' Edward said in a dreamy tone 'it will enable us to raise our nation technologically almost to the level of the Terran Hegemony at their best.'

'It's not that easy as unfortunately we don't have the necessary funds to build everything' replied Thomas.

'How is the investigation on the HPG we discovered in 3021 going?' I asked.

After a look between the two Calderon, Edward replied, 'We have managed to replicate it, having now two more operational. The cost is astronomic, as the most complex parts have to be handmade by highly skilled technicians and the failure rate is really high, but I think that with the information this new database has it will be easier from now on. This is extremely secret, of course'.

‘Hmmmm, I bet that next year, if the invasion of 'our' neighbors continues at this rate, Comstar will find some excuse to interdict Davion.' Before the astonished eye of both Calderon, I explained 'The First Circuit likes the situation to remain as it has been until now, with all the Inner Sphere nations carefully balanced, something that a final victory of Davion over Liao would spoil. A ban would be a way to not only interrupt the conquest, but to cause tremendous damage to Davion economy'. Hanse and Katrina would be particularly sensitive to a proposal that would give them the means to circumvent future Tiepolo’s interventions. And they would pay almost any price we ask, giving us not only the means for a major Concordat reform, but also focusing all of Comstar attention on them and the source of their new HPG research, which would give us some time to build safely our projects.’

‘Interesting in theory, but your entire plan is based on Tiepolo’s interdicting Hanse in the coming year.’ Thomas countered ‘for the moment this is just a theory.’

'Hey, plans for the future are based on possible events most of the time. I'm no fortune-teller, but I think it's a good probability.' And I've only read about a zillion books and fan fictions about this universe, duh 'After all, we won't have to do anything if there isn't an interdiction. Anyway, as long as hostilities last, it's best to stay alert and to not create waves.’

'By the way, I want you to start production of the Marauder II at VMI. The TDF would greatly benefit from having a local supply of Assault 'Mechs.' said Thomas.

'I'm sorry Thomas, but the company has no funds available for that, as you well know. With the new productions we just started, we stretched our funds to the limit, if not beyond them. But, if you want that, I can propose a way. The government gives VMI a loan, one with a low interest and long term payment, enough to pay for that production line and about half the cost of the DHS one. Let’s say that then the TDF puts an order for the first two years of production from both lines, apart from a dozen DHS a month for my Revenants. This way, VMI shall be able to produce your monster toys with a bonus, that is upgrading the Marauder II Heat Sinks and giving it an extra pair of Medium Lasers’ I counter-offered.




Edward trembled, but Thomas nodded. 'If it's the only way, I'll have to open the purse strings.' he said grudgingly.

'What about the production of systems for purifying the atmosphere and producing potable water?' Edward asked 'Are the models and techniques described in this database technically and economically feasible for us?’

'I think so, but they're not in my area of expertise.’ was my answer 'You will have to consult both technicians and financiers, people that might keep it secret.’

‘Well, now that these business are done, only missing the ceremony of your investiture as a Count and you're receiving the control of the system of New Vandenberg.’ said Thomas calmly.

‘Wait, what ?’ was my only answer, looking perplexed to both.

‘Politics, I’m afraid’ Edward clarified ‘ You are already well-connected in the military-industrial complex, you are also a strong voice supporting the detente with the Davions and were instrumental in the re-alignment of the Aurigans with us. Not counting what you have provided the Concordat, WarShips, datacores, HPGs. You are also the noble with the most powerful independent military force. After the Shraplen case, we need a proof of support for the detente and you are already know to support this position of mine. The last governor of New Vandenberg was a close ally of Shraplen, so the position is now open and you are one of our best choices.’

‘So, you are rewarding me to provide you with better allies?’ I said after a few moments, and after seeing both looking at me ‘i can do that.’




Now, if only I had some free time to visit Coromodir and Kamea… but unfortunately my very busy schedule didn’t allow that for a few months. I hoped Kamea wasn’t going to be unhappy and that she would understand.

Predictable, for me that is, the first training mission that put the GDL against the first Revenants battalion ended with a defeat to Vasseur.

While his unit was made of former Taurian Guards veterans and half his ’Mechs were Royals, they were neither prepared for the tactical brilliance of Grayson, nor for the clearly unorthodox use of anti-’Mech infantry tactics that he had unleashed on the unaware first battalion.

I just hoped that they could learn fast and that there would no bad feelings from their defeats while they were learning.
 

Rodon

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I'm assuming Edward was trembling in excitement.

While they are 'buying' the first two years of production, I doubt that all those mechs are actually going to be purchased by them. At least if they are half-way smart about it, the political power they can gain by simply 'gifting' those production slots (were the Concordat allows for a certain number of their order to be taken over by an agreed upon entity) to other groups such as their Periphery allies, local nobles, or approved mercs. Will be massive as getting anything in the Heavy/Assault tonnage range is very hard at this time, let alone factory fresh.

This also helps out the Concordat, because outside of some force rationalization (selling off some of their one / two model mechs, were they have only a handful of said mechs in the forces, but have to still provide spares for them) I figure that the Concordat will use most of those new mechs to expand. Which is good up to a point, which I figure they are already reaching with their current mech production. Running out of good meat to pilot said mechs. So 'gifting' their surplus production capacity to their allies allows them to digest and expand more organically, instead of being forced to grow beyond their limits (and lower their quality).

I wonder if the MC is going to build a third factory (I figure he will build a backup in the Concordat) in the Aurigan, mostly to sell to Magistracy of Canopus and tie the Aurigan state closer to the Concordat.
 

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